A survey on Flemish veterinary practitioners’ experience with stem cell therapy to treat equine tendon injuries
Authors: S. Holemans, M. Meeremans, M. Oosterlinck, C. De Schauwer
Journal: Vlaams Diergeneeskundig Tijdschrift
Summary
Despite decades of conventional management, equine tendon injuries remain problematic due to inferior scar tissue quality and substantial re-injury rates, prompting interest in biological alternatives such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy. Researchers surveyed Flemish equine veterinary practitioners to establish current attitudes and usage patterns regarding MSC treatment for tendon injuries, finding that whilst nearly half (47%) had already incorporated MSCs into their clinical practice, conventional rest and controlled exercise protocols remained the treatment of choice amongst the broader respondent population. The survey revealed a notable paradox: practitioners acknowledged dissatisfaction with conventional therapy's limitations, yet hesitation to adopt MSC treatment stemmed primarily from high costs, procedural complexity, and insufficient mechanistic understanding. The findings suggest a clear evidence gap, with respondents identifying the need for robust scientific data and practical clinical guidelines as essential prerequisites for wider MSC adoption in equine practice. For farriers, physiotherapists and other equine professionals involved in rehabilitation, these results underscore that whilst MSC therapy represents a potentially valuable tool for improving tendon healing outcomes, the current lack of standardised protocols and cost barriers will likely limit its uptake until the evidence base strengthens and treatment accessibility improves.
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Practical Takeaways
- •MSC therapy adoption among Flemish practitioners is at ~50%, indicating growing but not yet mainstream acceptance; cost and complexity remain significant implementation barriers
- •Conventional therapy remains preferred despite practitioner dissatisfaction, suggesting practitioners need more robust evidence and practical protocols before switching to biological treatments
- •If considering MSC therapy, seek practitioners with established protocols and strong evidence base, as availability of standardized guidelines is currently limited
Key Findings
- •47% of surveyed Flemish equine veterinary practitioners have used mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy to treat tendon injuries
- •Respondents report dissatisfaction with conventional therapy (rest, controlled exercise, anti-inflammatory drugs) despite it remaining the preferred treatment
- •High costs and complexity of MSC therapy are cited as major barriers to adoption by practitioners not currently using it
- •Practitioners identify need for stronger scientific evidence on MSC mechanisms of action and clear practical guidelines to increase clinical application